Irish athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan will join runners and walkers at Run For Órla in Redcliffe on Sunday, 15 November, with the Queensland Irish Association (QIA) proudly supporting the event as a Gold Sponsor.
The Olympic silver medalist and world champion, who comes from Cobh in County Cork but now lives in Melbourne, will take part in the 10km run in memory of her cousin Órla Shealy, who died on 14 November 2025, aged just three, following a seven-month battle with an extremely rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Órla’s parents, Una and Eamonn Shealy, are an Irish family living in Queensland. They have organised the event to honour their daughter’s life while raising funds for Camp Quality, which supports children and families affected by cancer.
Speaking to the QIA, Eamonn described Órla as “a little girl full of life, laughter, mischief and adventure”.
“She loved running, being outdoors, dancing and making everyone around her smile.”
The family hopes the event will keep Órla’s spirit alive while helping other families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.
“Through Run For Órla, we are determined to keep her beautiful spirit alive while turning our unimaginable heartbreak into something positive for other families,” Eamonn told the QIA.
Camp Quality provides emotional support, fun experiences, family retreats and opportunities for children and their families to create precious memories during difficult times.
“Having experienced childhood cancer firsthand, we know just how important these moments of happiness and connection can be,” Eamonn wrote.
Run For Órla will feature 3km and 10km events at Scarborough Beach Park, Redcliffe. Organisers are preparing to welcome 1,000 registered runners and walkers, along with a further 1,000 spectators, supporters, families and friends.
The morning will also include live music, Irish dancing, children’s entertainment, special guests and family-friendly activities.
The QIA has come on board as a Gold Sponsor to support the Shealy family’s efforts and help make the event a success.
Eamonn said the community’s response had exceeded the family’s expectations.
“What began as an idea between two heartbroken parents has grown into something far beyond our expectations. We are overwhelmed by how the wider community has embraced Órla’s story,” he told the QIA.
He hopes the event will bring people together to celebrate Órla’s life and support a cause that matters deeply to the family.
“Our hope is that this will be more than just a running event. We want it to be a celebration of Órla’s life, a day of community spirit, and a reminder of the incredible things that can happen when people come together for a meaningful cause,” he said.
Eamonn thanked the QIA for supporting the Run. “On behalf of our family, we would like to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to the Queensland Irish Association for kindly offering Gold Sponsorship for Run For Órla.
“As an Irish family living in Australia, having the support of the Irish community means an incredible amount to us.”
EVENT DETAILS
What: Run For Órla – 3km and 10km events
When: Sunday, 15 November 2026
Where: Scarborough Beach Park, Redcliffe
Event information: http://www.runfororla.com
10km Run: 6.30am
Children’s Fun Run: 8am
Community and family morning: following the runs
Find out more and register at runfororla.com.
